Provost comes to rescue with PPE delivery
A provost managed to get a vital PPE donation from China sent to South Ayrshire carers through her contacts in the country.
South Ayrshire councillor Helen Moonie said the delivery, which arrived during a severe shortage, helped save lives.
China donated 13,000 masks, 1000 gloves and seven thermometers as the pandemic began to spread to the county.
The Prestwick politician visited the Shandong province last year to woo investors and tourists to the area.
Provost Moonie said: “I am so grateful to our Chinese friends for their invaluable contribution, I have no doubt that the timely delivery of thousands of face masks and gloves, helped save lives.” She added: “China was still feeling the effects of the virus themselves at that time, so it’s really humbling that thousands of items were donated. Last year, I met so many wonderful people when I visited China, but I had no idea that some of those contacts would go above and beyond, to help us in our time of need.
“At the start of the pandemic, our Care at Home Team were in real need of PPE and staff were so appreciative when the Chinese stepped in to help.”
The South Ayrshire health and social care team need about £ 370,000 masks, aprons and gloves along with 200 goggles per month.
The council had problems getting hold of protective equipment in the early days of the pandemic.
A worried son said council carers who looked after his mother feared for their safety in March due to a lack of PPE.
Provost Moonie supported efforts to source protective equipment for staff through her associates in China.
Links have been growing between the two areas for a number of years with Provost Moonie spearheading efforts.
A Chinese delegation from the large city of Liaocheng visited Ayr in 2018.
The visitors explored ways to boost trade with South Ayrshire businesses.